Class Descriptions and Speaker Bios

Session I:

Title: Small Steps to Public SpeakingDescription:Learn how to give effective presentations and handle interviews. Public speaking is something that you need everyday, whether it's creating/giving an effective presentation for work or school or handling impromptu questions during an interview. Fear of public speaking is a common form of anxiety. It can range from slight nervousness to paralyzing fear and panic. Nervousness or anxiety in certain situations is normal, and public speaking is no exception. I want to assure you that you can overcome your fear with a few small steps.Speaker:Ms. M. Katherine Burrell has honed her public speaking qualifications with over 23 years as a Toastmasters International member, Club President, and Division Director, achieving the highest award--Distinguished Toastmaster. She has been adjunct teacher for Park College University, a Red Cross CPR trainer, and an Army Records Information Management System (ARIMS) course instructor. Ms. Burrell’s highly effective communications skills have allowed her to successfully share objectives to upper management, peers, staff, volunteers, and customers.

Title: How to Save for RetirementDescription: Saving for your Future. The goal of this workshop is to learn simple things you can do today to begin saving for retirement. The presentation is geared towards military members and civilians who have not begun the savings process or who want to do better. The workshop will also include a practical exercise related to saving.Speaker: Mr. Scott Jones is a retired federal employee with over 31 years of practical experience working for the DoD as a Financial Manager. Throughout his career he specialized in management, budgeting, program planning, and execution. In addition to his many financial qualifications, he holds a B.A. in American History from California State University at Fullerton, and he received his M.B.A from Bowie State University.

Session II:

Title: We're All in This TogetherDescription:Team-building.Whether your team is comprised of volunteers, military servicemembers, a civilian workforce, or your own family at home, this workshop can help you learn leadership techniques to build and maintain an effective team. Together we'll explore some theory behind team-building and do some practical team-building exercises which you could adapt and use with your own team.Speaker:Ms. Victoria Hanrahan has lived and worked in Germany for over 30 years. Her methods for team-building are tried and true as she has honed her team-building techniques through her involvement in over 100 community theater productions. Ms. Hanrahan obtained her B.A. in Drama from the University of California - Irvine.

Lunch Panel DiscussionTitle: Make the Most Out of Your LifeDescription: Gain tips on how to navigate the challenges of military life, embrace military culture, and thrive in every location the Army sends you!Speaker: Toni McIntyre, ACS Volunteer Coordinator, USAG Ansbach

Session III :

Title: Envisioning and Personal BrandingDescription:What are your next professional and/or personal moves and why?Lost something? Do you recognize who you are or what you’ve become? Is that image in alignment with where you see yourself personally and/or professionally? This gathering is designed to help you to realign yourSELF with your true passions and desires. If you are already aligned, let me share with you ways to intensify your focus and thrive! YOU deserve to become the best version of yourSELF! At the conclusion of this learning experience, you’ll be able to acquire some of the tools that will empower you to create a vision for whom YOU want to be, set SMART goals that will facilitate your efforts towards goal attainment, and identify the critical factors of Personal Branding.Speaker: Dr. Maria ReGester has been providing management, leadership, wellness, and Educational Technology learning opportunities to military and civilian communities across the globe for over 16 years. She has facilitated both graduate and undergraduate courses for multiple universities and as a Middle and High School leader, since 2005. Her primarily facilitation and research topics include: Executive Leadership, Organizational Development, Technology Integration, and Human Resources. She is a retired military spouse and the mother of two adult sons.

Title: Talk It Out Conflict-ResolutionDescription:Conflict-Resolution. Another wet towel on the bed! A co-worker took credit for your great idea! Have you ever needed to have a difficult conversation with someone, but had no idea where to start or how to follow through? Come learn about and practice using "me language" and the Awareness Wheel. These talk-it-through tools will help you to maintain positive relationships while resolving conflicts.Speaker: Dr. Grace C. Yeuell previously chaired the department of Religion and Philosophy at Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC where she taught for ten years. Dr. Yeuell's teaching interests include small group process and leadership skills, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication. Dr. Yeuell and her husband have two grown children living too far away in the States.